Local State Rep. replaced as budget committee chair

House Speaker Charles McCall announced Tuesday that State Rep. Kevin Wallace has been named the new chair of the House of Appropriations and Budget Committee, consequently replacing State Rep. Leslie Osborn, R-Mustang.

Wallace served as vice chair during the last session.

It has been reported that Osborn has recently been critical of the GOP’s actions.

Leslie Osborn

“Speaker McCall’s decision to relieve me of my duties as Chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee is his to make,” said Osborn in a statement released Tuesday. “I am disheartened by his decision, but I am not deterred in my desire to work for the betterment of our wonderful State. Oklahomans are calling out for leadership, and I intend to answer their call. Oklahomans across the state have told me they are utterly disgusted at the divisive way we conduct our business at the State Capitol. It is a sad day when we cannot have an honest conversation about the major financial and budget issues we face as a state. I have always been willing to find solutions through conversations instead of conflict. Be assured, I will continue to stand up for finding achievable solutions to the myriad of problems in Oklahoma that keep us mired in mediocracy. I am here to serve and serving Oklahomans is what I intend to do. To that end, I want to say thank you for the overwhelming support I’ve received from members of the House and the public since this news was released. I’m humbled and uplifted by this sincere support. I also appreciate Speaker McCall allowing me the privilege to chair this committee.”